Europe's €1.7M Graphite Project Aims to Revolutionize Battery Production by 2027
A new research project, USE-G, has launched to improve Europe's graphite production for the battery industry. Led by Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the initiative aims to create cleaner, more energy-efficient processes while reducing reliance on imports. The three-year project has secured €1.7 million in funding, mostly from Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
The project will focus on establishing a fully European-controlled process for purifying, coating, and shaping graphite. Current methods often depend on overseas suppliers, particularly from Asia, which dominates the global market. Researchers at the university are testing a new purification technique using chlorine gas, which could offer a greener alternative to traditional approaches.
Industrial partners will work on recovering graphite from 'black mass'—the leftover material from battery recycling. They will also develop more sustainable carbon coatings and explore ways to better integrate recycled graphite into production. Initially, natural and recycled graphite will be processed separately before being combined into a single anode material.
All research and development will take place at German sites. The goal is to produce a European-made anode material that meets the standards of cell and battery manufacturers. If successful, the project could help secure a stable supply chain for Europe's growing battery sector.
The global graphite market is expanding rapidly, valued at $8.33 billion in 2025 and expected to reach $15.28 billion by 2034. Major projects, such as Tanzania's Epanko mine and a U.S. facility in Louisiana, are ramping up production to meet demand, particularly for electric vehicle batteries. Europe's push for self-sufficiency comes as competition in the sector intensifies.
The USE-G project will run until 2027, with findings potentially reshaping Europe's graphite supply chain. By improving recycling methods and developing local production, the initiative could reduce dependence on imports while supporting the region's battery industry. The outcomes may also influence future policies on sustainable material sourcing.
